Need critical mineral survey: Chingang

Advisor for Geology & Mining and DUDA, W. Chingang Konyak on Tuesday stressed the urgent need to fast-track geological surveys and remote sensing studies in Nagaland to unlock critical minerals.
Speaking at a workshop organised by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), Chingang said that private sector collaboration with government and state departments could boost exploration, attract investments, and introduce modern technologies.
He emphasised the importance of critical minerals—such as lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements—vital for electric vehicles, renewable energy, defence, and telecommunications.
Chingang said India must urgently secure its supply of these resources to meet its clean energy and manufacturing goals. He highlighted Nagaland’s rich geological diversity, noting the untapped potential beyond coal and iron deposits.
To accelerate exploration, he called for advanced geo-scientific methods and strategic partnerships.
He also proposed setting up a Regional Research Hub or Centre of Excellence in the Northeast to drive innovation, train professionals, and promote sustainable extraction practices.
Chingang expressed hope that the workshop would foster open discussions, pose difficult questions, and lead to actionable recommendations shaping future policy.
Delivering an overview of the workshop, director of GSI, Dr. Ranjit G. Khangar, said that India must urgently bridge gaps in critical mineral exploration, especially in under-studied zones like the Naga-Manipur Hills Ophiolite Belt.
While acknowledging policy progress and ongoing surveys, Khangar noted persistent challenges in tapping strategic reserves across remote terrains.
He said the workshop aimed to bring together geoscientists, policymakers, and academicians to assess national strategies and explore the Northeast’s mineral potential.
He cited case studies from Phokpur and Jashora, and stressed the need for modern extraction strategies and digital tools like NGDR to enhance data access and efficiency.
He expressed optimism that the deliberations would guide future collaborations and policy initiatives.
Commissioner and Secretary, Geology & Mining, John K. Angami, commended GSI and DDG Rajeeva Roy for organising the workshop under the National Mission on Critical Minerals, a key initiative of the Ministry of Mines.
He said that although mineral surveys had been carried out by the State DGM and GSI, the critical mineral potential of the Naga Hills Ophiolite remains largely untapped. Calling it both a challenge and an opportunity, he urged strategic collaboration and continued exploration.
He concluded with hope that the workshop would enlighten participants and help realise the vision of a technologically resilient and developed India under Vikshit Bharat 2047.
Earlier, the inaugural address was delivered by Dy DY & Convener Rajeeva Roy, followed by the keynote address from RMH-II, GSI NER Director General RL Sarkar, and HoD, GSI NER Director General Dr. SK Kulshestra.
The technical session featured expert presentations on topics including exploration scenarios, geological controls, extraction strategies, and resource mapping. Highlights included talks by Dr. Yamuna Singh, Dr. M. L. Dora, Dr. S. K. Singh, A. Elow, Dr. Ramunaj Narayan, Tapan Patowary, and a briefing on NGDR applications by NMH-III, GSI, CHQ, Kolkata.